Funnels, Lasers, and Megaphones

Whether a mentor, cheerleader, or analyst, leaders sometimes strive to be all things to their people.

During the course of my career I’ve noticed leaders I’ve worked with take on some differing, but effective, roles. But there are three roles that stand out from these individuals that continue to resonate as great leadership examples.

The Funnel. This type of leader sees themselves as a resource for the organization. They study their industry, leadership, and the emerging trends and funnel this knowledge to as many people as possible. Whether in a training context, a strategic planning session, or through normal internal communication, they use their quest for knowledge to keep their people up-to-date, sharp and informed.

The Laser. Goals are the course each company sets, but even the best laid plans can go off course. The laser leader is focused, mission critical, and keeps the tasks of the organization tight and in line with the overall goals. Any rabbit trail of strategy, or process that will derail resources and energy, are jettisoned in favor of more productive tasks. Basically this type of leader keeps the company and everyone focused and on course.

Megaphone. The best communicators I knew didn’t just talk and impart the vision. They preached, even shouted, the core values and the mission to everyone within earshot, every day. They embodied, verbally, and magnified the purpose of the organization. They became people who might as well have carried megaphones, rallying folks to the cause. This type of leader spreads the vision and gets everyone to jump aboard daily.

Unconventional roles can become the most effective methods to leading. By becoming something different, authentic yet effective, a great leader can tap into the talents they have to better lead the people they’re with.